Sore breasts
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You’ve probably experienced achey, heavy boobs in the run up to your period. You know, the kind where you have to hold them as you head down the stairs?
The difference now is you’re finding they feel that way, well, whenever. And rather than them just being a bit uncomfortable, they hurt – really bloody hurt. You’d quite like to live life in a giant bubble so no one can knock into you by accident.
The big fluctuations in oestrogen and progesterone mean breast pain in perimenopause and menopause is likely to feel more intense than the discomfort experienced in the run up to a normal period. Some report stabbing or even a burning pain. And sometimes, it might only be on one side.
Your timetable also tends to go out of the window and you might find that although you’re not due on, or maybe you haven’t had a period for a while, all of a sudden it can feel like you’ve gone six rounds with Olympic boxer, Nicola Adams. It can be both confusing and frustrating.
Breast pain isn’t normally a symptom of a serious problem like breast cancer. However, if you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to speak to your doctor. And if you’re over 50, please do make time to go for a mammogram every three years.
Our advice and guidance
We’re here to help you deal with this unpleasant side effect of the change. Our top tips are all practical ways you can reduce breast pain and get back to whatever more fun and important thing you were doing.
Get measured
When you take your bra off at the end of the day (oh, what a feeling), are there red marks where it’s been sat? Yeah? Your bra isn’t the right fit.
As your hormones enjoy an extended game of ping-pong, your boobs may change in size and shape.
Trying to stuff your girls into that bra you bought back in 2003 isn’t going to have great results for you on the comfort front. It’s time to hit the shops, get ’em measured – many stores have a free fitting service – and treat yourself to some lovely, new bras.
Try a little heat
Some women find that gentle heat near their breasts reduces swelling and soreness. You can buy stick-on heat pads or use a traditional wheat bag warmed through in the microwave.
A word of warning though – don’t put anything too hot on your tatas. The skin around that area is very delicate and if you scald them, you’re really going to know about it.
Coppa feel
Breast cancer is still the most common cancer in the UK, yet 1 in 3 women don’t regularly check their little (or big) ladies for abnormalities. And if your ladies feel like they’re on fire, we get it, you’re hardly going to want to start poking and prodding them*.
But this doesn’t mean don’t do it at all. When your breasts aren’t feeling too sore, then it’s a good idea to do your monthly check while you’ve got the opportunity to do so without too much discomfort.
Increase your Bs & Es
Vitamin B supports healthy cell function while Vitamin E helps to protect them from damage by free radicals.
Making sure your diet contains lots of whole grains, legumes, seeds and nuts, and leafy greens might help you feel better from the inside, while helping tackle other menopausal symptoms like fatigue.
The bonus of these foods is they also contain magnesium which helps with muscle and nerve function and may also ease breast pain in menopause.
Be wary of evening primrose oil
We’re not saying don’t try it. Throughout their adult lives, many women use Evening Primrose to manage their menstrual symptoms and swear by it.
Just don’t have too much. High levels can actually encourage swelling and inflammation. If you try it and find yourself feeling worse, you might want to switch to a Vitamin E oil instead.
Be honest with your partner
Being intimate when your knockers are sore is probably the last thing on your mind. In fact, you probably want to put up a two-metre exclusion zone around yourself.
We don’t blame you. But it can be tough on your other half if they don’t understand how you feel. Explain the pain you’re in and what they can do to support you.
Our advice to them
We’ve suggested that they get herself to the lingerie department to get measured – a new well-fitting bra could make them much more comfortable. Gentle heat could help them too.
We’ve flagged that it’s still important they check their breasts regularly for any abnormalities, even if they’re sore.
Adjust the strength of your hugs
Affection is obviously an important part of any relationship – friendly or romantic. However if they are suffering from sore boobs, tight hugs can hurt. Be aware and check in before touching them.
Don’t take it personally
We appreciate it may feel like a personal slight if they are being off with you or don’t want you to go near them. But it’s most likely nothing to do with you.
Bear in mind that they might be feeling sensitive or physically rotten due to their fluctuating hormones. Take a deep breath and either ask them if anything is wrong or if they needs some space.
Ask them what will help
Is there anything you can do to make them more physically comfortable?
Ask them exactly what you could do to help. Can you do more round the house if you live together? Could you cancel on a couple of commitments? Would they like you to run them a bath or even just make them a cup of tea – but only if that’s what they want.
Ask, rather than assume. If you do the latter you may well find it has the opposite effect to the one you’d like.
Suggest a supplement
Pumping up their intake of vitamins B and E can encourage healthy cell function, while magnesium and evening primrose supplements could ease their breast pain (but be aware of the latter, too much can make inflammation worse).
Why not gently ask if they have tried taking anything like that?
If you’re worried about sore breasts, you should see your GP who can discuss your symptoms in the context of the menopause.
If you’d like more information, we have put some further references below for you:
General information
You can also find more general information about the menopause transition at the British Menopause Society and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.
British menopause society
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